Bas

I made 6 but not sure that the genius bit is appropriate.

"That there is little fan noise and it comes on only momentarily"......... is almost enough motivation alone to changeover.

Chris, I agree it is unlikely the gas level as the Fridge Whisperer checked our gas level when he replaced our fan and thermostat. The fridge had to be removed from the cavity it sits in (he needed assistance from me to do this) but fortunately the work could be carried out in the van. When the fridge was reinstalled, he needed to check how well it was cooling for a few hours so we went for a drive and a bite to eat. I will be interested to hear what the diagnosis is with your fridge. Barry

Came across this recently, and it could be of interest to some. Although the test was conducted in Sth Africa, diesel with 10 ppm Sulphur was used, and that is now the standard there, as it is in many parts of the world. Cheers Bas www.fuelexpert.co.za/2-stroke-oil-in-diesel-technical-study.php

Several years ago, our fan stopped working although the fridge worked but not as well. We took the van to the Fridge Whisperer at Caboolture and the fan was replaced as an internal wire had corroded. The thermostat was also replaced. The fan runs almost continuously now even when it is cold weather although not sure if the compressor does also. Have spoken to the FW about it and he is puzzled why it is the case. The fridge performs very well so have adopted the policy of "don't trouble trouble til trouble troubles you"!! Bas

Hi I use Castrol LMM which is Molybdenum Disulphide. It must be good because it sticks to your hands really well. On rough dirt roads, I grease the suspension at least as frequently as 2000 kms. That may seem an overkill to some but not according to Vehicle Components. Bas

However, not all vans are equipped with a service door for the fridge. They only have a vent and there would be no benefit in removing it.

About 12 months ago I fitted a larger bottom vent and during the very hot weather late last year on our return home to Brisbane through Victoria and NSW, it certainly made a difference. It is a fiddly exercise to fit a larger bottom vent as there are wires to avoid when cutting. A larger top vent may also be on the jobs to be done. There is not a clear path for air to rise to the top vent so a fan makes good sense. To overcome the fan running when not needed in cool/cold weather, wiring a switch into the circuit would be useful. Barry

I had our van at Vehicle Components recently and there was another van (not A Kedron) there for a service.When I remarked to one of the employees working on our van, that the other van had obviously had a GVM upgrade by virtue of the chain setup, he said that they do that work all the time. I mention this as food for thought. Cheers, Bas

Is it no longer legal/acceptable to have chains welded to the A frame, or does that only apply to above 3500 kg? Bas

After having read the concerns expressed about the possible/potential brake related inadequacies of the 200 series when used as a tow vehicle for large vans, I am almost reluctant to admit that I have a 100 series. When I was inspecting the shock absorbers on my van this morning, I'm sure that on each "axle" there was a very substantial set of brakes, the purpose of which I understand is to help slow down/stop the van!! 12'' brakes are a very substantial bit of equipment and far bigger and better than on the vehicles we all drove in the past, albeit that in some cases those vehicles may, repeat may, have been lighter and certainly less sophisticated. There will always be crisis situations where we need every bit of braking that is available, but it is very possible that in such circumstances not having a van on behind may not make a lot of difference. Surely, we drive to the circumstances and when with a van in tow, we should add that little bit of margin, say by knocking off a few kms from our speed, or staying back a bit further from the vehicle in front etc etc etc. In 6 years and many kms with the van in tow, I have never felt as if the van was in control. I respect that it weighs up to 3,500 kgs and so don't push the envelope. The previous van was a single axle Golf which was very comfortable but hell on wheels to tow as no matter how it was packed, it had unbelievable sway. It weighed half of the Kedron but the Golf was the boss. About 6 months ago I had Dexter Sway Control fitted by Vehicle Components. The only time the van did not tow as straight as an arrow was when being overtaken by a huge truck which might "suck" you towards it. That has virtually disappeared however, I guess we all instinctively compensated without DSC by anticipating the "suck" effect. I hope that the DSC never has to be put to the test. Being legal is important, but is secondary to being safe. Barry

Hi Greg, removing the ones pictured is a challenge. On the round section there is a tiny hole and using a fine screwdriver push the piece of plastic slightly protruding. The complete light assembly can then be removed. The light section inside can then be removed, although it is a bit of a learn as you go exercise and fiddly is an appropriate description. I replaced the first bulb that blew with an LED, and they are available in both warm and cool white. I chose cool as the light produced is much "cleaner', but the preference is a personal one. Take the old bulb with you when buying the replacement as there are different diameters and pin sizes. The LED lasted probably 12-18 months with a fair bit of use and when I mentioned to the LED specialist that I expected greater life, he enquired if the bulb was enclosed (which it is) and so recommended to provide a bit of air flow if possible. The "gold" surround is plastic so I drilled a 13mm hole at the back where it cannot be seen when I was replacing the bulb. Time will tell if this helps with bulb life. Hope this helps. Barry

When the topic of WDHs v Air bags arose some time back, I brought to notice the RACQ short video on the topic which highlighted the advantages of WDHs. These should be compulsory viewing. Is it any wonder that some SUVs end up with cracked chassis. 55lbs in an airbag would not allow any spring action. Frightening! Bas

Hi Here's another:- Victoria Melbourne Trailers 1-3 Ashley Park Drive Chelsea Heights 3196 03 8773 8773 Melbourne Trailers is the Australia and New Zealand agent for Dexter Axles. The company is well known to, and does similar work to, Vehicle Components. It has all types of hardware componentry for trailers of all varieties. We had a Dexter Sway Control fitted by VC just prior to setting off on a Byron Bay to Steep Point trip in August. The DSC was fine on sealed and smooth dirt but in certain corrugated and sandy conditions it acted up. Apparently some DSC units are over-sensitive and at VC's suggestion, MT was contacted. They were very helpful and as soon as we are back in Brissy the unit will be replaced. However, while in Melbourne we took the van to MT for them to check over the brakes for wear. The brakes were inspected and we were wished a safe trip!! A very pleasant experience. Bas

Hi Goodys Our earlier model ATV had a water tank setup the same as yours except our Thetford has its own water supply. To assist with reducing ball weight when/if necessary, Kedron separated the two front tanks so that while they use a common pump, I can select which one to fill and which one to draw from. A new gauge was fitted by Kedron so each tank can be monitored. It was a very neat job and works well. There are two taps near the pumps under the fridge to select which of the house tanks is to be used. Bas

Chris At least 3 years ago I tried to buy some from Kedron but they had discontinued them as an accessory. I can't help as to where you might have some made with the Kedron name. regards Barry

Hi Grant and Carol I can only speak about the DO35, and have found it to be very good. Vehicle Components which designed and manufacture it (as well as Kedron suspensions) fitted it as a replacement for the Hyland which was originally fitted by Kedron. It has my vote. Regards Barry

Hi again I found the receipt for the LED for the exterior light - $39. It is a pretty simple DIY. Let me know if you want the name of the place in Brissy where I purchased it. Bas

Hi Ash Can only advise re the exterior lights. I converted the offside one to LED a while back and proposed to replace the yellowed lens as well. There should be a sticker in the light which will tell you the maker/supplier (I think they are in Oz). However, the cost deterred me just for the lens and after the LED conversion, I decided it was something that could wait as the light output was significantly better. Regards Bas

Perhaps it would be a good idea to have this endorsed by any other state(s) where the tow and towed vehicles are not registered in the same state. Bas

Hi petdav30 Rather than have a box on the front, fit one on the rear bar. This is the solution I followed to reduce towball weight. The brackets for the bar were gusseted to strengthen them at the suggestion of Kedron as the bar was moved out 50mm to provide space for the box, and I had a box custom made by Tong Boxes in Brissy. The new box is a bit smaller but I now don't carry some unnecessary things. Bas

Hi LeaA It appears to be the same as some of our lights in which I fitted LED bulbs some time back. It's a fiddly job and if I recall correctly, the outer black part is held in the metal fitting by a couple of small lugs, and with care that can be separated from the metal section. The section holding the LED/bulb sits in the outer part. After plugging the new LED in, check that it works before reassembling as I think if plugged in the wrong way, the light may not work. It is fiddly but patience will overcome. Regards Barry

Hi Jabob, some specifics about what problems they are having would be of assistance. Bas

Hi Geoff and Marion RACQ circulated an email recently which really explains a huge amount about Weight Distribution Hitches. Google RACQ Getting The Balance Right, to watch it. Air bags and WDHs have different functions and may complement each other, but bags are not an alternative to be used solely. Regards Barry

Petdav We live in Qld and so our van and Cruiser are both registered in this state. However, it is the case in Qld and some other states that the Compulsory Third Party insurance of the tow vehicle does not extend to vans and trailers etc which are registered in another state. In Qld, vans etc do not have their own CTP insurance, but are covered by the CTP of the tow vehicle which must also be registered in QLD. It may be cheaper to register a van in Qld but the proverbial will hit the fan in a case where the van and tow vehicle are registered in different states. You should determine what applies in WA. regards Bas